Catalytic and molecular insights of the esterification of ibuprofen and ketoprofen with glycerol

The esterification of rac-ibuprofen and rac-ketoprofen with glycerol catalyzed the commercial biocatalyst Novozym® 435 was investigated at 45 °C various profen: molar ratios using 2-propanol as co-solvent in a batch type reaction. conversion reached 46%, an enantiomeric excess towards S-enantiomer 42%. When 1:4 ibuprofen:glycerol ratio assayed, 75% R-ibuprofen reacted monoglyceride 99% selectivity, which is highly relevant field prodrugs synthesis. lower, 17 % vs. 46 rac-ibuprofen, afforded both (70%) diglyceride (30%) regardless ketoprofen:glycerol ratio. Investigations molecular level through concentration-modulated infrared spectroscopy, static ATR-FTIR situ Raman spectroscopy showed continuous decay species belonging to providing further evidences Moreover, interaction CALB ibuprofen modifies contribution ordered structures lipase, might be related improved catalytic performance that profen.